Woolworths and Early Learning Centre (ELC) are among retailers that are to meet the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) to discuss the workings of a recently launched industry code.
Last month, the Council appointed five auditors to accredit factories with an ethical and environmental standard - the ICTI Code of Business Practices.
The auditors began work in China's Guangdong Province last month, and are expected to complete 500 audits by November this year.
Manufacturers, suppliers and several retailers have formed three working parties to review the operation of the Code. They are expected to present their findings early next year. The code is designed to provide an ethical, unified and environmental industry standard, and to reduce the duplication that arises when different retailers undertake independent audits of the same manufacturer.
Woolworths head of quality and environment Richard Neill said the retailer made its own audits for ethical and environmental standards, but said he supports the Code. He said: 'Long-term, the ICTI Code will have cost-saving implications, but I would not try to quantify that at the moment.
The only limitation for us is that this code only covers toys.'
A spokeswoman for ELC said it conducts exacting audits of suppliers, but added: 'The Code is a good point that provides a standard for the industry. In theory, at some time in the future, it could reduce the need for ELC to carry out its own audits.'
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